Hey Doc - can you or someone else help me with a cat problem?

[C.Ann]

My cat just came in with "pickers" all over him! Don't know what they're called in other parts of the country, but they're from a plant that grows wild and each "picker" is around the size of a very large grape.. They get all entwined in the long fur and are next to impossible to get out..

I tried pulling on them and he's screeching at me and swatting me with his nails.. I'm pulling gently - so as not to hurt him - but the majority are on his back - down by his tail - and he doesn't even like anyone petting his back..

Any suggestions how to get the out?

 

[DocRafiki]

Oooh, sorry. I've never even heard of those. It sounds like it might be easiest to just cut them off.

 

[C.Ann]

Originally posted by DocRafiki
Oooh, sorry. I've never even heard of those. It sounds like it might be easiest to just cut them off.

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I was afraid you might say that.. There are so many of them - if I have to do that he'll look like someone went after him with a weed whacker....

 

[Lanshark]

My husband has a beard trimmer. That or hair clippers may be easiest especially with an already upset kitty. Scissors may be a little tricky if he's moving around a lot.

Good Luck and may the Force be with you... Again

 

[C.Ann]

Oh man.. I just tried to get some out and there are many, many more further under his fur and he is SOOOOOOOO mad at me! I don't know how I'll ever get them out!!

If it's sunny here tomorrow I'm going to go outside and find those picker bushes he's getting into and rip them out of the ground!

 

[MHopkins2]

If you don't want to cut them out, I imagine your only other option is taking the poor baby to a groomer who uses tranqs.

 

[Virgo10]

I have them shaved off. A good groomer will know how to do it. The cat will look odd for a while but I can guarentee the fur will grow back.

Roberta

 

[Rajah]

Sorry, but I agree. The best way to remove them is scissors or clippers. His fur will grow back. It's not worth the torture for either of you to try and pull them out. Poor thing.

 

[Serena]

You could try some of that hair serum, or some kind of oil. It helps make them not so sticky and they're easier to get out. But my dog doesn't mind when I do it.